Why spend the Thanksgiving Day at home when you can find a better place to take a break? Start taking advantage of the holiday to explore the world. Apart from the warm beaches, you can also settle for a single tour of the city. Thanksgiving Day is a very good time to make the most memorable moments with your loved ones and friends.

To get started on your Thanksgiving Day adventure, here are the top 10 destinations to consider.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This is the place to visit if you prefer a mountain escapade without having to leave the country. Families have been visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for a long time now. Maybe it is time for you to enjoy its mountain chalets, vacation rentals, and comfortable amenities. There are also different events and activities that you can join during Thanksgiving Day in the area.

Hawaii. If you have always loved quiet beaches, then this is a great place to visit. It has reasonably priced hotels and accommodations to offer for groups and individuals. Apart from its white sands and blue seas, Hawaii always has something to offer for outdoor activities, parade, and food places. A more peaceful climate can be experienced in Big Island, Kauai, Waikiki, or Maui.

Munich Germany. There are various ways of making your November’s last weekend the best it can be in Europe. Apart from its street markets spread all over the city, German cuisine is something you should not miss. If you love shopping, exploring cultural products and touring a not-so-quiet location, Munich is a good option. Apparently, the city has 80 markets to boast, giving you an heavily filled schedule for the holiday.

Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the most popular cities to visit no matter where you are living in the world. Similar to other states, Chicago has its way of celebrating Thanksgiving Day. You can watch its entertaining marching band, joint outdoor activities, and ride on its cruise for a tour around the city by the bay. Chicago is also popular for its Christkindl market that celebrates the largest Christmas for Germans alongside Europe.

Floral carpet on the Grand Place in Brussels, BelgiumPhoto by Wouter Hagens

Brussels, Belgium. This is another European country that will give you a relaxing getaway during Thanksgiving. The crowd in the area all lively and friendly giving you a warm welcome. Amusement parks are filled with rides, stalls, and activities that you will enjoy. In case you choose this place, you should not forget to visit its Mannekin-Pis or Little Man Pee attraction which is a sculpture that goes through hundreds of changes in costumes every year.

Madrid, Spain. It may be expectedly super-hot in the area whenever it is summer but its winter weather is moderate, giving tourists a comfortable stay. By choosing Madrid, you will have tons of places to visit, starting with the 400-year old flea market named El Rastro. Moreover, you should treat yourself to Casa Botin which is declared as the oldest running restaurant in the world that has existed since 1725. Otherwise, you can simply stroll in the ancient city’s center and make a fulfilling experience during your stay.

San Francisco, California. You will find this city as the chilliest among all the places in California. You will also find it freezing up to around 63 degrees. Nonetheless, it is still warmer to other destinations. Thanksgiving visitors will surely enjoy its surreal autumn landscapes and beautiful constructions. Every Thanksgiving, the city holds an Annual Tree Lighting event led by Macy’s.

The amazing thing about visiting San Francisco is the lack of need to schedule ahead. You can book at the last minute without losing deals.

Florence Italy, a perfect destination for the Thanksgiving Holiday?Photo by Marcus Obal

Florence, Italy. If you are a person who would rather spend the holiday in a simple way, Florence is the place to visit. Spending the weekend could be as simple as visiting museums, churches, and historical ruins. Moreover, the city holds classical music, theater, and opera performances during the late fall. In this town, you get to see the world’s best artworks face-to-face including Michaelangelo’s, David.

London, England. London has its ways of being a versatile city for every celebration. Although it does not offer the traditional feel of Thanksgiving, it has great destinations fit for a break. You may enjoy its festive lights, pre-Christmas deals and competitive activities. Hotel prices are even lower during November, giving you the perfect recipe for a budget-friendly tour.

Lisbon, Portugal. The residents of Lisbon have always enjoyed the warm weather of the city in November. As guaranteed, it is a place to be in awe at its grand plazas, cobblestone streets, and liquor places. This may be a simple European trip, but the free-flowing stroll is worth it.

Booking your flights and accommodations can be done as early as now once you have chosen a place to visit. As mentioned, some of these places still offer reasonable prices despite the holiday. These destinations only prove that Thanksgiving can be less costly yet gratifying.